EARL JULIEN BUSCH

With profound sadness, the family and friends of Earl J. Busch announce his peaceful passing in the early-morning hours of Friday, July 21, 2017 at the age of 61.
Earl, the seventh child of Oliver and Rose Busch, was born on June 13, 1956 in Fort Frances, Ont. He lived his whole life in Northwestern Ontario and he very happily retired back to Fort Frances in 2014 after living in Thunder Bay for 39 years.
Earl received his helicopter licence in 1978 in Kenora, Ont. He was fortunate enough to be able to fly all over Canada, logging 16,000 hours in various types of helicopters.
He saw much more of Canada than most people ever will, and was very knowledgeable about the geography, history, and resources of our great country.
He made lots of lasting friends throughout his work years, and it was quite a treat to hear the stories everyone had to tell of their adventures and experiences with Earl.
He also was employed as a baker, pizza-maker, mechanic, and fishing guide on Great Slave Lake during his teen years.
Earl was married to Terri (Smith) in 1985 and would have celebrated his 32nd wedding anniversary this fall.
They travelled extensively the first three years of their retirement and were lucky enough to circumnavigate North America in a motorhome. They enjoyed beautiful scenic vistas and had many adventures along the way.
Earl often said the best advice he got was from a neighbour in Thunder Bay, who told him to travel now while he had his health and was able. Nobody knew how important that message would become.
Earl had many varied interests, from reading, music, and fishing to renovating the various houses and cabins that Earl and Terri owned over the years. He was an accomplished jack-of-all-trades and knew a little about everything, whether it was renovating or trying to figure out a solution to a problem.
He was an intelligent man who had an aptitude for mechanics and was a wicked good pizza- and bread-maker. He also was a lot of fun to be around and he was patient, kind, gentle, and giving to anyone he encountered.
He lived a very full life in the short time he was here. He had a great smile that lit up his whole face and his loss will be felt by all who knew him.
Earl leaves behind his siblings, Gerald Busch (Yvonne), Pam Makarchuk, Judy Bodnarchuk (Stan), Mervin Busch (Barbara), David Busch (Gloria), and Jeff Busch (Bernice) and their families.
He also leaves behind his sisters-in-law, Tammy Smith and Tracey Allen (Michael), and brother-in-law, Todd Smith (Crystal), and their families. He also is survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins.
Earl also will be missed by his special friends, Frank Redford (Sherri), Ken Sisco (Brenda), Todd and Amy Marchuk, and Neil, Deb, and Andy Thorpe.
He was predeceased by his parents, Oliver and Rose Busch; brother-in-law, Pete Makarchuk; and by many uncles and aunts.
As per Earl’s wishes, no funeral will take place. A private gathering for family and friends will be held at a later date at Earl and Terri’s cabin on Red Gut Bay.
If so desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Ontario Humane Society c/o Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances, Ont.
“Life is a journey that’s measured not in miles or years but in experiences, and the route your life takes is built not of roads but of songs.” (Jimmy Buffett).
This is not goodbye Earl, only see you later.